A Trip to Arizona

So I am currently a full year behind posting pictures but I'm determined to get caught up this year because it makes me sad to think of all of the things that will be forever lost in my jumbled memory if I don't get them recorded soon.

This was our trip to Arizona in February of 2017.  It was one of our crazier family endeavors, but we were glad to have had the chance to celebrate Great-Grandpa Swier's 80th birthday and to see Great-Grandma Moss, as well as all of the family we miss from Phoenix.  

Our whirlwind trip started on Thursday evening after work as we headed up to Portland.    We had decided that with an early morning flight we should probably get a hotel room up there just to make sure we were on time.  Hazel had been sick earlier in the week but seemed to be on the mends or so we thought.  By the time we got to the hotel she was starting to run a fever again and we were beginning to worry that we weren't quite at the end after-all.  However, at this point we were committed.  So we all slept, made it to the airport in time for our flight, and all considered everything went really well.  We had Kendra, Andy, and Caleb with us which was a HUGE help and the kids had a blast as none of them could remember ever flying on a plane before.

 This guy loves his Uncles and so do we.  They are so incredibly patient with his endless questions and requests.

Antie Kendy was literally a lifesaver on this trip jumping in to help whenever she saw panic in my eyes, which may have been quite a bit.

We had the baby row and they both did great.  We even squeezed in naps during the flight which was awesome!!!

Grandma and Aunt Kathy were at the airport ready to pick us up in a 15 passenger van, and from the airport it was off to lunch and then to see the dairy in Laveen.  This was pushing our luck as all of the kids were absolutely exhausted at this point and Hazel was coughing so much that people were staring at us during lunch, but I knew that it was probably the last chance I'd have to walk this house and dairy and I just had to do it.  There are so many precious memories of this place, and being there just made me feel so close to my Dad.  I could literally just close my eyes and be in years past.  It was such a surreal feeling and so crazy to watch my own kids run around where I grew up.

Cooper and Hazel slept in the van most of the time we were there.  They were sooo tired.  Poor things!

Our House

The playhouse Grandpa built for us with the goat and sheep yard behind it.

Our pool

The Barn

This was my Dad's office.

After seeing the dairy we headed to Wayne and Cindy's house to hang out until dinner.  Their home was such a blessing and they were such gracious hosts as we were coming with not only 5 small kids but sick kids.  We had a whole section of the house to ourselves with bunk beds and a crib and bathrooms.  They also has an awesome playroom.  I seriously cannot imagine what we would have done if we'd been in a hotel with everyone at their breaking point as they were.  

For dinner it was Peter Piper Pizza!  Another favorite memory from growing up.  We meet cousins and aunts and uncles from the Swier side of the family down there for pizza and games I think it was at this point that we started to wonder if Cooper might be coming down with something.  

Back at Wayne and Cindy's we put the kids to bed and hoped for the best with Cooper.  Unfortunately by the next morning Cooper was running a fever and Hazel was feeling so miserable and lethargic that we ended up taking her to urgent care.  They were concerned about pneumonia however after a breathing treatment her oxygen levels improved enough that they didn't have to admit her.  So then we filled prescriptions for her and meanwhile Cooper slept almost the entire day while the others played and I tried to enjoy the time with my Grandma who had come to visit with us for the day.  

 Urgent Care :(

Grammy Moss

Saturday evening the rest of the Moss family joined us for dinner which was a blast.  So fun to see Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and all the kids that I've seen photos of but have never really met.  We had a great time laughing and catching up.

Finally on Sunday we surprised Great Grandpa for his birthday.  We were just barely surviving at this point but still so thankful to get to be a part of this special celebration.  Once again Pat and Sandy were gracious hosts for our pathetic bunch.  Cooper slept almost the entire time and we were just praying we could all hold up for the trip home.  Kendra and Andy flew with us once again and like I said previously LIFESAVERS.  I could cry even now just thinking of what would have happened without the extra arms and patience that they brought.  

We landed late Sunday evening, a few hours before Hazel turned 2, and will always look back on this whirlwind trip with a mixture of "what were we thinking?!?!!" and gratitude for the time we were able to spend with family, and for the village we have supporting us in this parenting journey.

Wyatt's 6th Birthday

We were introduced to Paw Patrol by Uncle Robert when we moved to Oregon and it has become a favorite for most of the kids at one point or another so this year Wyatt voted for a Paw Patrol Party.  We celebrated with a big family party, gifts, games, and cupcakes at school.

 For our game the kids had to pretend to be pups and race to the dog bowls at the other end of the room.  Then they had to eat the scooby snack from the bowl as quickly as they could.  I think it was mostly just entertaining for the grown-ups but the kids were good sports.

At school Mrs. Lute does such a great job of celebrating the kids.  I really appreciate how she makes it fun for them and makes them feel so special.  On their birthday they get to sit in her chair and all the kids share what they like about them before they eat cupcakes.  Some of the things Wyatt's friends shared were that he is friendly and kind to people, He always plays with everybody, he is helpful, and he always has a smile on his face. His best friend Cold said, "Your mom lets me play with you." and Melahna, a little girl in class who likes him said, "His crown, everything about him."

After school we had Cole over to play.  First we went out to lunch with Uncle Robert and then it was play, play, play until it was time to pick up Sadie.

I 

Happy Birthday Wyatt!  You are such a great kid.  We've had our challenging moments, but you have really grown up so much this past year.  I love your cheerful attitude and your enthusiasm towards school and life in general.  I love hearing all about your day, and your friends, and the fun things you are planning and dreaming of and who you've invited over.  You are friendly and kind to all and continue to be one of the most generous kids I know.  You have also become quite the gentleman this year opening doors and learning what it means to be polite.  However, one of my favorite things about you continues to be that you give the very best hugs.  Sometimes after dinner without warning you still climb into Daddy's lap and give him a big hug.  I hope you hold on to that sweetness for a very long time because we sure love your tender heart and know that God is going to use that as you care for the people around you throughout your life.  We are blessed to have you as our son and pray that God would continue to reveal Himself to you as you grow.

You are loved!!!  Happy 6th Birthday!

2 Months

Our Miss Evie Rose is 2 months old and has earned the nickname of "Nibblet."  Daddy loves to give nicknames and this little one is a good eater and our chunkiest baby so "The Nibblet" he has named her.  Whether they will love him or hate him for these nicknames only time will tell but right now Cooper is especially fond of it and calls her Nibby all the time.

Christmas 2016

One of my favorite new traditions since moving up to Oregon is cutting down our own Christmas tree.

 And of course enjoying some hot chocolate by the fire.

Our traditions have changed year to year but this Christmas we made a big breakfast with Great Grandma's cinnamon rolls and had Grammy over to enjoy it with us.  Then the kids opened their presents from us and we spent the morning just hanging out.  We tried really hard to not get carried away with the gifts this year as the kids already have so much.  So everyone got new jammies on Christmas Eve, a new book, a lego/duplo block set, and a new bike.  They loved the books and everyone except poor Cooper was excited about the bike.  We probably should have seen it coming but unfortunately didn't.  Cooper is our cautious natured one and he wanted nothing to do with a bigger bike.  He's really great on his little balance bike but between this one being a lot taller and the fact that it wobbles just a little with the training wheels it was just too much :(

After naps we headed over to Grammy's house for more presents, games, and dinner.  It's always so fun to be together and all the kids make it just that much merrier.  Grammy is currently at 9 grandkids so you can imagine the excitement in the air.